Those teachings have been analyzed and interpreted in a variety of ways since they were delivered. In his new book, “Meditations on the Beatitudes,” , assistant professor of Spanish at ²ÝÝ®ÉçÇø, looks to apply those teachings to real-life situations and truly “live the Beatitudes.”

“I took stories from my time in Guatemala, Honduras and Mexico and paired them with the Beatitudes,” said Clymer. “The cultural context of the marginalized people in these stories is more like the time of Jesus, challenging our comfortable middle class views of what Jesus meant.”

Clymer looks at the contrasting cultures of Latin America and the United States and offers reflections on those differences. Clymer tells a story that goes along with each beatitude to illustrate the parallels and discrepancies in cultures. He then closes each chapter with a meditation and prayer.

Clymer served five years as director of EMU’s cross-cultural program and has worked with and in Central America and Mexico. Clymer hopes his book offers some insight to the Latin American culture and aids discussions on culture, scripture and living more like Jesus.

“I want people to reflect on how they treat the marginalized, not just on a cross-cultural but down the street or right next door.”

Clymer’s 84-page book is available through Cascadia Publishing House at for $12.95.

The second weekend in October each year, scores of former students arrive on campus to reconnect with friends and classmates. More than a thousand alumni and parents of students are expected to continue that tradition Oct. 8-10, 2004 on .

More than a thousand EMU alumni and parents of students are expected to continue that tradition Oct. 8-10, 2004 as they gather to celebrate homecoming and parents weekend.

( for Homecoming will remain available until Oct. 6.)

"Many alumni formed significant relationships during their college years that last a lifetime," said , director of . "At homecoming, they’ll come together to celebrate these friendships and their connections to the larger university community," he added.

Events

Among the myriad events scheduled are Homecoming concerts featuring 1993 graduate Dan Gardner, a recording artist from Atlanta, Ga., on Friday and Saturday, Oct. 8-9, at 8 p.m. in Lehman Auditorium. Gardner won a national "Today’s Superstar" competition on NBC Television’s "Today" show in 2002 and launched a successful recording and concert career. Advance tickets are available by calling the EMU box office, (540) 432-4582.

Donald R. Clymer, director of EMU’s cross-cultural programs, will answer questions about the school’s off-campus study opportunities 10 a.m. Oct. 9 in the University Commons.

An alumni-parent worship service 10 a.m. Oct. 10 in Lehman Auditorium will have a music emphasis led by Kenneth J. Nafziger, professor of music, and the EMU Chamber Singers. Recipients of the "alumnus of the year" and "distinguished service award" will be recognized during the service.

Traditional homecoming features will include reunions 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Oct. 9 for graduating years ending in a "4" or "9," from 1959 to 1999. The "Jubilee Alumni," persons who attended EMU 50 years ago or more, will hold a luncheon and program at 11:30 a.m. that day at the Eastern Mennonite High School dining room.

Breakfast meetings will be held Saturday morning for alumni and friends of the business and economics department; nursing department, the science department, Bible and religion department (Haverim), the music department (Encore!) and the language and literature department.

Everyone’s a fan during Homecoming!

Outstanding alumni athletes will be recognized at a "hall of honor" breakfast Saturday morning. This year’s inductees are Sandy Brownscombe, a former women’s basketball, men’s volleyball and field hockey coach at EMU; and Elton Horst, a cross-country standout. For the first time, a team – the 1976 men’s cross-country team – will also be inducted.

Home economics alumni will gather at 3 p.m. Saturday in Martin Chapel for a reception and program. Tributes will be given in honor of the late Mary Emma Showalter Eby, founder of the EMU home economics program.

A reception for a cross-cultural seminary group who went to the Middle East 30 years ago with Willard Swartley, a former Bible and religion department professor, will be held 7 p.m. Saturday in Martin Chapel.

Several alumni authors will be present for a book signing 1-2:30 p.m. Saturday in the university bookstore: Dwight Hartman, Samuel L. Horst, Elton Lehman, Janet Patton, John Stahl-Wert and Willard and Mary Swartley.

An art exhibit featuring mixed media by Aaron Echorst, a 1994 EMU art graduate, will be on display in the third floor gallery of . A reception for the artist will be held 2:30-4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 9.

Varsity field hockey, women’s volleyball and men’s and women’s soccer games are scheduled on Saturday, preceded by a Loyal Royals "fun run" 7:30 a.m. Saturday at the EMU track.

The annual alumni golf classic will begin at 1 p.m. Fri., Oct. 8, at the Heritage Oaks Golf Course west of Harrisonburg.

Special activities for children (kindergarten through sixth grade) and youth (grades 7 through 12) are scheduled at various times Saturday, and childcare for infants through age 5 will be provided during reunions and at other designated times.

The registration desk in the University Commons will be open 3-10 p.m. Fri., Oct. 8, and 7:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Sat., Oct. 9.

For more information, go to , call the alumni office at (540) 432-4245 or e-mail alumni@emu.edu.